Preview — Highland Wolf by Hannah Howell

Annora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking --- or longing --- for him ...

James Drummond, once a laird now an outcast, wants what waAnnora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking --- or longing --- for him ...

James Drummond, once a laird now an outcast, wants what was stolen from him --- his good name, his lands, and his child. His disguise for getting into Dunncraig is step one of his plan, but the enticing raven-haired woman who cares for his daughter is an unwelcome surprise. For he has come seeking justice, not love ......more

Mass Market Paperback, 348 pages

Published
January 1st 2008
by Zebra
(first published January 1st 2007)

Community Reviews

After having read several of the Murray clan's sotries, this one feels a bit repetitive. It has the precocious child in Meggie (who is not as adorably precocious as Odo from Highland Groom); it has someone falsely accused of killing their spouse like in Highland Honor; it has the unfaithful wife who keeps a diary (also in Highland Groom), it has the bastard born lady who doesn't think she is good enough like in Highland Destiny. There may be more repeats, I haven't read all of Howell's novels. IAfter having read several of the Murray clan's sotries, this one feels a bit repetitive. It has the precocious child in Meggie (who is not as adorably precocious as Odo from Highland Groom); it has someone falsely accused of killing their spouse like in Highland Honor; it has the unfaithful wife who keeps a diary (also in Highland Groom), it has the bastard born lady who doesn't think she is good enough like in Highland Destiny. There may be more repeats, I haven't read all of Howell's novels. I'm a little disappointed in how many plot elements Howell reused here because James is a lovable character from the moment you meet him as a baby in Highland Promise to the loving, protective brother in Highland Bride. However, one thing Howell does do differently in this novel is not draw out the time until the protagonists tell each other they love each other. The novel seems to go by so fast because so much of it is concerned with James being in disguise at Dunncraig and the danger he, Annora and Meggie are in. Unlike some other novels, this one does not dispose of the danger and then spends days or weeks with the characters dancing around saying those magical three little words. This novel seems a bit of an after thought on Howell's part. The order seems a bit off; Gillyanne's story takes place 12 years and at least five novels before her brother's. Not to mention the fact that it is a little hard to believe that either James or the Murrays would have taken three years to deal with the threat to Dunncraig and James' life. However, it is a good decent historical romance that does not drag its feet getting from the action to a declaration of love....more

Continuing her Murray family saga, Highland Wolf focuses on James Drummond, the son of Bethia and Eric (a child who was fostered by the Murray family). At first, I did not recognize James' character, but looking at a family tree of the Murray family put is all together for me. As with the other books in this series, I found this story an easy, enjoyable read overall w/ memorable characters. I was pleasantly suprised by the constant action and little plot twist/turns. I am def looking forward toContinuing her Murray family saga, Highland Wolf focuses on James Drummond, the son of Bethia and Eric (a child who was fostered by the Murray family). At first, I did not recognize James' character, but looking at a family tree of the Murray family put is all together for me. As with the other books in this series, I found this story an easy, enjoyable read overall w/ memorable characters. I was pleasantly suprised by the constant action and little plot twist/turns. I am def looking forward to the next book in the series. I would def recommend this book/series to fans/readers of historical romance....more

Laird James Drummond was falsely accused of murdering his wife and had to flee for his life, leaving his keep and his young daughter in the clutches of the plot's mastermind, Sir Donnell MacKay. Now three years later, he returns home in disguise, determined to take back what is his, and meets MacKay's virtuous cousin Annora, who has taken over the care of his daughter Meggie.

Great chemistry between Annora and James. There is no real internal conflict, which is refreshing. Instead, there are multLaird James Drummond was falsely accused of murdering his wife and had to flee for his life, leaving his keep and his young daughter in the clutches of the plot's mastermind, Sir Donnell MacKay. Now three years later, he returns home in disguise, determined to take back what is his, and meets MacKay's virtuous cousin Annora, who has taken over the care of his daughter Meggie.

Great chemistry between Annora and James. There is no real internal conflict, which is refreshing. Instead, there are multiple external threats. The epilogue is one of the best I've ever read--perfectly sweet and satisfying....more

I have read so many Hannah Howell books. She is such a wonderful writer!!! Read this book on Oyster it took me a day and I absolutely loved it. It brngs me back to when James was a baby and Bethia trying to save him. This time James is trying to save not only himself, but also his daughter, Annora and his people. James is wanted as an outlaw, he is accused of killing his wife Mary. James has been on the run for 3 years and says he us done running, it's time to find the proof of his innocence. ThI have read so many Hannah Howell books. She is such a wonderful writer!!! Read this book on Oyster it took me a day and I absolutely loved it. It brngs me back to when James was a baby and Bethia trying to save him. This time James is trying to save not only himself, but also his daughter, Annora and his people. James is wanted as an outlaw, he is accused of killing his wife Mary. James has been on the run for 3 years and says he us done running, it's time to find the proof of his innocence. This book is just as thrilling as her others!!!! A+++...more

I had a tough time rating this one. The set-up dragged for me; the middle was quite good, I thought, then the story climaxed with some 30 pages to go and I could not understand why. This last section might have been the worst in the book; for some reason, the author goes off on a long tangent about stained-glass windows (a set-up for another book featuring the hero's brother? Who knows...). Though I was very happy there were no "misunderstandings" and the "big secret" was kept from, for the mostI had a tough time rating this one. The set-up dragged for me; the middle was quite good, I thought, then the story climaxed with some 30 pages to go and I could not understand why. This last section might have been the worst in the book; for some reason, the author goes off on a long tangent about stained-glass windows (a set-up for another book featuring the hero's brother? Who knows...). Though I was very happy there were no "misunderstandings" and the "big secret" was kept from, for the most part, only the bad guys, I could not believe Ms. Howell resorted to the "I'm not good enough for you" plot device after all the H/h had been through together, and separately, throughout the entire story.

Oh, well ... I believe I bought this book thinking there might be a PN wolf involved, but that was not the case. I would have given three-quarters of the story a solid four stars, but then there was the other one-quarter which would have garnered only two stras, so...an average of three stars it is....more

"Ye gave me my heart and took the darkness from my soul." p.332, loc.4124

Author: Hannah HowellFirst published: 2008Length: 349 pages, 4318 locationsSetting: Scotland, 1477.Sex: explicit, not very frequent.Heroine: Abused. Emotionally and physically by various family members as the unwanted orphan bastard. Is physically abused and almost-raped during book.Hero: Beaten before and during book.Paranormal: light - Annora senses others feelings and has the occasional kinda-vision.Series: Book 15 of Ho"Ye gave me my heart and took the darkness from my soul." p.332, loc.4124

Author: Hannah HowellFirst published: 2008Length: 349 pages, 4318 locationsSetting: Scotland, 1477.Sex: explicit, not very frequent.Heroine: Abused. Emotionally and physically by various family members as the unwanted orphan bastard. Is physically abused and almost-raped during book.Hero: Beaten before and during book.Paranormal: light - Annora senses others feelings and has the occasional kinda-vision.Series: Book 15 of Howell's Murray series.Includes: Excerpts from "Highland Sinner" by Hannah Howell.

For a change, it's the Hero trying to clear his name!

An unusual journey to HEA... but just a little unsatisfactory.

A Good Idea that had a lot of potential but seemed to lack some story and romance.

It is a good book:) I adore Annora for taking a good care of Meggie even if she's not hers. On the other hand, it is good that James had re-claim what was stolen from him.They deserve each other, protector and lover for James, a mother for Meggie and a wife for James. Happy ever after!

James Drummond was outlawed by the King of Scotland for killing his wife, and an enemy now holds his keep and his lands and his young daughter. In disguise, he returns to set things right.

Bastard-born Annora MacKay is living at said estate, having been brought in to act as caretaker of the little girl, whom her cousin claims is his own daughter. She sees her cousin's cruelty and dishonesty and works hard to shield little Meggie as best she can, while fending off the lecherous advances of his creJames Drummond was outlawed by the King of Scotland for killing his wife, and an enemy now holds his keep and his lands and his young daughter. In disguise, he returns to set things right.

Bastard-born Annora MacKay is living at said estate, having been brought in to act as caretaker of the little girl, whom her cousin claims is his own daughter. She sees her cousin's cruelty and dishonesty and works hard to shield little Meggie as best she can, while fending off the lecherous advances of his creepy second in command.

The both of them have reason to try to find out what really happened to Meggie's mom.

Some good chemistry and danger keeps the story interesting even when you kinda see some things coming.

“Sir James Drummond had to sneak back into Dunncraig as a wood carver. He was Laird three years ago at the keep but now he is accused of murder and outlaw by the one who sits as Laird now unjustly. He is there to find proof of his innocense. His daughter Meggie is being cared for by Annora MacKay the Lairds couson. She knows her couson is a rotten man. And she does her best to keep out of his way, and keep his far from Meggie. He tells everyone the Meggie is his child. James freedom, life and ch“Sir James Drummond had to sneak back into Dunncraig as a wood carver. He was Laird three years ago at the keep but now he is accused of murder and outlaw by the one who sits as Laird now unjustly. He is there to find proof of his innocense. His daughter Meggie is being cared for by Annora MacKay the Lairds couson. She knows her couson is a rotten man. And she does her best to keep out of his way, and keep his far from Meggie. He tells everyone the Meggie is his child. James freedom, life and child was taken from him now he needs to get proof the Donnell has stolen his life."

I have only read one of the Murray Family series before this one and it was a later book in their saga. I picked this one because I thought from the title, it was a Highland Shifter story. It was not. I still enjoyed this story. I was not familiar with James from earlier books, but fell in love with him immediately. I liked that Annora and James got together fairly early in the story. I liked that the bad guys were truly evil. Meggie was okay but not real. I grew to like Annora when she made herI have only read one of the Murray Family series before this one and it was a later book in their saga. I picked this one because I thought from the title, it was a Highland Shifter story. It was not. I still enjoyed this story. I was not familiar with James from earlier books, but fell in love with him immediately. I liked that Annora and James got together fairly early in the story. I liked that the bad guys were truly evil. Meggie was okay but not real. I grew to like Annora when she made her walk to the village. I will read more of the Murrays....more

James, foster son to Bethia and Eric Drummond (her sister's son she saved from the man who killed his parents,) brother to Gillyanne, et al. I really liked this one a lot, although I had a hard time believing that his family would have let him become outlawed and stay that way for 3 years no matter how well she explained it away. However, it did make for an interesting plotline: a man sneaking back into his own house to oust the murderer of his wife.

Jamie Grummond, Laird of Dunncraig, is framed for the murder of his wife Mary, and declared outlaw. After three years away from his property and small daughter Meggie, he decides to disguise himself and return to attempt to prove he was innocent. The nursemaid to his daughter, Annora becomes more to him that he planned. Eventuallly all is well. Been there, done that. Enoyable but Howells formula writing.

this one was different, ill put this in terms you can understand if you read these books - the lass didnae run for it or make him grovel you ken? - james had no real ASSHAT moments it was actually really good I loved little meggie though a little more input would have been better for her, like maybe over hearing something or seeing something she then can tell james aka rolf.

Hands down,Hannah Howell is my favorite author when it comes to Highlander Romance novels. She just has a way of captivating my attention and making me feel the need to stay up late just so I may finish her books. Everytime i pick up one of her's, I just know I will have a hard time putting it down. Great Story, and 4.5 from me.

another sexy highlander from hannah howell. james has been declared an outlaw.suspected of killing his wife. he is going in disguise to his keep to find proof of his innocence. annora is nurse to young meggie and bastard cousin to the man who is sitting in the laird's chair. a good adventure and marvellous read .as usual.

This is Needs to be read after highland lover and champion and before highland sinner. Another good Hannah Howell highlander book it did not disappoint. Just read them in order by date that story starts and you will understand the family connection it makes for a more enjoyable story.

I must admit Hannah Howell is one of my favorite authors. I haven't read anything of hers that I didn't like and this one is no exception. Donnell was a true villian - I couldn't wait for him to get what he deserved. Annora and James were great and I wanted their story to keep going.

4 stars Hannah Howell is known for these types of books. Rugged Scottish male who's heart has been broken, falling in love with beautiful woman. A little bit of magic thrown in for good measure. This is one of the books, If you like this genre then you will enjoy this book.

I'm such a sucker for Hannah Howell. Her stories are often predictible, but I adore her heroines and her writing style. This book was no exception. Even though I think the Murray's need to be retired already, I'm sure I'll keep reading them as long as she keeps writing them.

This is the story of a man wrongly accused to murdering his wife. He goes in disguise to try to clear his name and take back his daughter. His enemy has taken over his keep and declared himself Laird. He falls in love with his enemy's cousin who is taking care of his daugher.

Another really good book in this series. The angst ran a bit high at times, but I still enjoyed it. As a humorous aside, the cover is truly delicious and whoever decided they should put the price sticker right in the middle of Jame's face should be hanged. ;)

This was the first book I read by this author and I liked the book . I'm not sure where the 'Wolf' part comes in , but it was an allright read . If I see something else by her at the library or something I'll most likely pick it up .

This was the first book I read by Hannah Howell. I fell in love with James and Annora! After reading this I read all of the Murray family books. I could not put them down!!!! I recommend them to everyone!!!

Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).